The concept of freedom is often associated with a sense of autonomy and control over one's actions, beliefs, and choices.
When it comes to human beings, freedom cannot exist without desire. Desire, on the other hand, can be defined as a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen. It is natural for humans to have desires, which can range from basic needs like food and shelter to more intricate ones such as love, companionship, and pleasure. The problem arises when these desires are mediated by historical oppression, which limits an individual's ability to act on their impulses freely.
In today's society, there exists various forms of social inequality that stem from racism, sexism, heteronormativity, ableism, classism, ageism, and so on. These social constructs limit people's choices and make them feel powerless to act according to what they truly want.
Women who identify as lesbians face discrimination in many countries due to societal norms that deem same-sex relationships unacceptable. In some cultures, men who do not conform to traditional masculinity standards are ridiculed, while transgender individuals may experience violence and discrimination. As such, it becomes difficult to exercise one's freedom if historical oppression continues to dictate how we behave, dress, think, speak, or express our sexuality.
History shapes our identities, experiences, and perspectives on life, making it challenging to disentangle ourselves from its influence. Our past, including our family upbringing, cultural traditions, and societal expectations, affects how we view the world and interact with others. We might have grown up being told that certain behaviors, attitudes, or values were wrong, leading us to repress our true desires. It takes time and effort to overcome these limitations and embrace our innermost feelings without fear or shame.
Despite all the obstacles, desire can still be expressed within the constraints of historical oppression. Individuals can find ways to channel their impulses towards something productive or healthy instead of suppressing them entirely.
Someone who is closeted about their sexual orientation can explore their fantasies safely by writing erotica or reading books on LGBTQ+ topics. Another person might seek therapy to understand why they feel ashamed of their body and work towards accepting themselves fully.
Freedom cannot exist without desire, but both can be mediated by historical oppression. By recognizing this connection between the two concepts, we can work towards a more inclusive society where everyone feels free to pursue what makes them happy while respecting the rights of others.
Can freedom exist within desire when both are mediated by historical oppression?
Freedom is defined as being free from external restrictions and limitations that may be imposed on individuals' behavior and thoughts, while desire refers to one's innermost wish or aspiration for something or someone. The concept of freedom encompasses various dimensions such as political, social, economic, cultural, and personal liberty.